Hey, Twin Cities! Our Best Of list got a lot bigger this year—now, with 160 categories, there’s even more to celebrate (and discover!) around town. Last year, we broadened our annual Best Restaurants Readers’ Poll by adding retail, arts, culture, entertainment, and services; for 2026, we added even more. How it works: We started collecting nominations in November via a write-in ballot online. Then, in early January, we opened voting on the top 10 finalists in each category and invited readers, users, and followers through our newsletters and social channels to cast votes to name Bronze, Silver, and Gold winners. (Rest assured, the software ensures no ballot stuffing.) So, here it is—the results are in. Congratulations to this year’s favorites!
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Fun + Leisure
Our readers know their way around town and generated a list of must-dos. Looking for ideas for date nights, outings with friends, or kid-friendly spots? Start here!
Annual Festival
Boutique Hotel
Gold—Hewing Hotel, 300 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 651-468-0400
Silver—St. James Hotel, 406 Main St., Red Wing, 651-388-2846
Bronze—Hotel Alma, 528 University Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-466-0169
Bowling Alley
BLB’s $38 entrée/beer/bowling Cheap Date Night is one of the best ways to spend a Monday in town.
Silver—Park Tavern, 3401 Louisiana Ave. S., St. Louis Park, 952-929-6810
Bronze—Elsie’s, 729 NE Marshall St., Mpls., 612-378-9701
Concert Venue (Non-Stadium)
Gold—First Avenue, 701 1st Ave. N., Mpls., 612-338-8388
Silver—Armory, 500 S. 6th St., Mpls., 612-315-3965
Bronze—Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-5299
Cooking Class
Gold—Cooks of Crocus Hill, 877 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-228-1333; 210 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-223-8167
There’s something for everyone, from the total kitchen newbie to the baking aficionado to the accomplished chef ready for a challenge.
Farmers’ Market
Check out the new indoor market space on Prince Street.
Historic Site
Historic Theater
Wander into the Amber Room or out on the Endless Bridge for preshow photos.
Indoor Mini Golf
Gold—Can Can Wonderland, 755 Prior Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-432-0228
Silver—Puttshack, 700 N. 3rd St., Mpls.; Southdale Center
Bronze—Puttery, 240 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-493-1102
Jazz Club
Gold—Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-5299
Still strong after 40 years! Plus, check out what’s coming next on page 20.
Local Podcast
Museum
Neighborhood/City to Explore
Performing Arts Company
Pickleball Courts
Game, set, tie! Two local courts trade perfectly placed shots for the crown.
Gold—Lucky Shots Pickleball Club, 3300 NE 5th St., Mpls., 612-230-9870; 8401 83rd Ave. N., Mpls., 763-298-2255
Silver—Pints and Paddle, 15450 Grove Circle N., Maple Grove, 763-340-1212
Bronze—Minneapolis Pickleball Club, 1200 Washington Ave. S., Mpls., 612-208-7564
Place for a Date Night (Non-Restaurant)
Place to Go Apple Picking
Place to Take Out-of-Towners/Visitors
Radio Station
Staycation Hotel
Gold—Hewing Hotel, 300 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 651-468-0400
Check out the Hewing’s recent refresh in honor of its 10th anniversary.
Take the Kids (Non-Restaurant)
No matter the weather outside, it’s always a luxurious 80-ish degrees in the conservatory.
TV Station
Drinks + Nightlife
The nomination list for this category was long—trust us, it took a lot of votes to make the final cut. If you haven’t been to these local hot spots, it’s about time you got out there and hit the town.
Bloody Mary
Brewery/Taproom
Casino
Do you feel lucky? You are, because win or lose, Mystic Lake has some of the best pho in Prior Lake!
Champagne/Sparkling Selection
Best beignets in Minnesota—but you’ll be too full to order them after your steak, so here’s a crazy idea: beignet appetizer?
Distillery
Gold—Earl Giles, 1325 NE Quincy St., Mpls., 612-345-5305
Silver—O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co., 600 Malcolm Ave. SE, Mpls., 763-338-0914
Bronze—Tattersall Distilling, 1777 Paulson Rd., River Falls, Wisc., 534-248-8300
Dive Bar
Gold—Cuzzy’s, 507 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-339-6211
Old-school North Loop, the last of the last—raise a glass to history! And then another!
Silver—The 1029 Bar, 1029 NE Marshall St., Mpls., 612-379-4322
Bronze—Grumpy’s, 2200 NE 4th St., Mpls., 612-789-7429
Drag Show
Espresso Martini
Gold—Red Rabbit, 201 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-767-8855; 788 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-444-5995
Silver—Hewing Hotel, 300 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 651-468-0400
Bronze—Mr. Paul’s Supper Club, 3917 B Market St., Edina, 612-259-8614
Game Bar
Stay tuned for Can Can’s forthcoming “Back 18” mini-golf course, with 18 new (but equally wacky) holes.
Gay Bar
Gold—The Saloon, 830 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-332-0835
History, heritage, mayhem, love—est. 1977.
Girls’ Night Out
Happy Hour
Red Cow’s North Loop locale recently got a whole new vibe created by MartinPatrick 3.
Hotel Bar
Liquor Store
Gold—Surdyk’s, 303 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-379-3232
Pro tip: Start with a cocktail at Sidebar at Surdyk’s, and then do your shopping.
New Bar in 2025
Old Fashioned
Gold—Parlour, 730 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-354-3135; 267 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-207-4433; 200 Water St., Excelsior, 952-247-4790
Silver—The Lexington, 1096 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-289-4990
Bronze—Mr. Paul’s Supper Club, 3917 B Market St., 612-259-8614
Rooftop Bar
Gold—Brit’s Pub, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-3908
The rooftop at Brit’s Pub might just make a pro lawn bowler out of you.
Silver—Hewing Hotel, 300 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 651-468-0400
Bronze—The Lexington, 1096 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-289-4990
Sports Bar
Wine Bar
Winery
Zero-Proof-Friendly Bar
Gold—Hai Hai, 2121 University Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-223-8640
Silver—Earl Giles, 1325 NE Quincy St., Mpls., 612-345-5305
Bronze—All Saints, 222 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-259-7507
Bronze—Porzana, 200 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-489-6174
Food + Dining
There’s so much good food to love in the Twin Cities! How do you pick your favorites? Our readers flooded this category with nominations—these stars came out on top.
Bakery
Barbecue
Breakfast/Brunch
Dash in for a no-reservation-needed pastry-and-fancy-coffee to-go order if you want to surprise and delight a friend.
Budget Eats
Gold—Red Cow, 6 MN locations
Silver—Quang, 2719 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-870-4739
Bronze—Kramaczuk’s, 215 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-379-3018
Burger
Gold—Parlour, 730 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-354-3135; 267 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-207-4433; 200 Water St., Excelsior, 952-247-4790
Silver—Red Cow, 6 MN locations
Bronze—Matt’s Bar, 3500 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls., 612-722-7072
Cheese Shop
Chicken Wings
Gold—Gai Noi, 1610 Harmon Pl., Mpls.
Silver—Monte Carlo, 219 3rd Ave. N., Mpls., 612-333-5900
Bronze—Runyon’s, 107 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-332-7158
Chinese
Gold—Saturday Dumpling Co., 519 Central Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-281-5499; Market at Malcolm Yards, 501 30th Ave SE, Mpls.; 5401 Penn Ave. S., Mpls., 612-281-0507
There’s a fresh new breakfast menu at SDC’s south Minneapolis location. Three words: congee hash browns.
Silver—Tea House, 2425 University Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-331-8866
Bronze—Rainbow, 2739 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls.
Coffee House
Gold—Nina’s Coffee Café, 165 Western Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-292-9816
Silver—Rustica, 3220 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-822-1119; Downtown Mpls., Edina, Wayzata
Bronze—FRGMNT Coffee, 5 metro locations
Date-Night Dining
Gold—Bar La Grassa, 800 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-333-3837
Focaccia like clouds! Hot, irresistible clouds!
Donut Shop
Gold—Bogart’s Doughnut Co., 904 W. 36th St., Mpls., 612-886-1670; 5003 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, 612-259-8225
No summer visit to Bogart’s is complete without a swirl of soft serve to complement your donut.
Food Truck
French
Gold—Meritage, 410 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-222-5670
Silver—Bûcheron, 4257 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-255-5632
Bronze—Barbette, 1600 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-827-5710
French Fries
Gold—Red Cow, 6 MN locations
Silver—Parlour, 730 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-354-3135; 267 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-207-4433; 200 Water St., Excelsior, 952-247-4790
Bronze—Meritage, 410 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-222-5670
Fried Chicken
Gold—Nashville Coop, 6600 Penn Ave. S., Richfield, 612-584-3245; Northeast Mpls., Stadium Village, St. Paul
Silver—Bull’s Horn Food and Drink, 4563 34th Ave. S., Mpls., 612-208-1378
Bronze—Abang Yoli, 12934 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, 952-247-0655
Greek/Mediterranean
Do yourself a favor and download the Christos catering menu, today—the fastest healthy, fancy, instant dinner party in town.
Ice Cream Shop
Gold—Sebastian Joe’s, 1007 Franklin Ave. W., Mpls., 612-870-0065; 4321 Upton Ave. S., Mpls., 612-926-7916; 4301 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls., 612-238-3777
Silver—Grand Ole Creamery, 750 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-293-1655; 4737 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls., 612-722-2261
Bronze—Bebe Zito, 704 W. 22nd St., Mpls., 612-315-5180; Market at Malcolm Yards, 501 30th Ave. SE, Mpls.; 9000 Hudson Rd., Woodbury, 763-326-1966
Indian
Gold—India Palace, 6 metro locations
Silver—Dancing Ganesha, 1100 Harmon Pl., Mpls., 612-338-1877; 8124 Hwy. 7, St. Louis Park, 952-426-0201; 11628 Fountain Dr., Maple Grove, 763-600-6314
Bronze—Namaste Café, 2512 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls., 612-827-2496
Italian
Japanese/Sushi
Korean
Gold—Minari, 323 13th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-259-8914
Silver—Abang Yoli, 12934 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, 952-247-0655
Bronze—Hoban Korean BBQ, 2939 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls., 612-345-7214
Late-Night Menu
Nothing hits quite like Lucé’s baked potato pizza at 1 am.
Mexican/Latino
Pro tip: Put a cooler in your car; get quarts of guacamole and taco fillings after your dinner. You’ll eat well all week.
Silver—Oro by Nixta, 1222 NE 2nd St., Mpls., 612-200-8087
Bronze—Nico’s Tacos, 2516 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls., 612-345-7688; 2260 Como Ave., St.Paul, 651-450-8848; 4959 Penn Ave. S., Mpls., 612-216-1188
Middle Eastern
Gold—Holy Land, 2513 Central Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-781-2627
Olive to see a great olive selection—and Holy Land’s spread is the GOAT.
New Restaurant in 2025
Patio
You won’t find anything prettier than the magnificent green-leaf canopy soaring above Frost’s on a summer’s eve.
Pizza
Gold—Pizza Lucé, 9 MN locations
Silver—Wrecktangle Pizza, 703 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-444-4420; Market at Malcolm Yards, 501 30th Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-448-5247; Graze Food Hall, 520 N. 4th St., Mpls., 612-280-6931
Bronze—Punch, 12 metro locations
Plant-Based
Gold—All Saints, 222 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-259-7507
Silver—Francis, 2422 Central Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-208-6870; 3900 E. Lake St., Mpls., 612-704-8825
Bronze—J. Selby’s, 169 N. Victoria St., St. Paul, 651-222-3263
Restaurant with Live Music
Sandwich Shop
Gold—Cecil’s Deli, 651 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-698-6276
Silver—Marty’s Deli, 400 Lowry Ave. NE, Mpls.
Bronze—Lu’s Sandwiches, 2624 Nicollet Ave., Mpls.; 10 NE 6th St., Mpls.; 309 SE Oak St., Mpls., 612-587-2694
Seafood
Best place in town when 50 people spontaneously want a meet-up—there are tables inside, outside, and everywhere. And you can even bring your 50 friends’ 50 dogs for an unforgettable night admiring the waterfall!
Silver—Smack Shack, 603 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-259-7288; 3801 Minnesota Dr., Bloomington, 952-333-7722; Rosedale Center, 651-348-2632
Bronze—The Oceanaire Seafood Room, 50 S. 6th St., Mpls., 612-333-2277
Soul Food
Gold—Brasa Premium Rotisserie, 600 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-379-3030; Hopkins, St. Paul, Southwest Mpls.
Silver—Soul Bowl, 428 S. 2nd St., Mpls., 651-567-7044
Bronze—Mama Sheila’s House of Soul, 3744 Bloomington Ave. S., Mpls., 612-389-9772
Southeast Asian
Gold—Gai Noi, 1610 Harmon Pl., Mpls.
Silver—Diane’s Place, 117 14th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-489-8012
Bronze—Hai Hai, 2121 University Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-223-8640
Steak
Summertime Seasonal
Supper Club
Taco
Gold—Nico’s Tacos, 2516 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls., 612-345-7688; 2260 Como Ave., St.Paul, 651-450-8848; 4959 Penn Ave. S., Mpls., 612-216-1188
Silver—Oro by Nixta, 1222 NE 2nd St., Mpls., 612-200-8087
Bronze—Centro, 1414 NE Quincy St., Mpls., 612-345-5527; Roseville, Whittier Mpls., and St. Paul
Thai
Gold—Gai Noi, 1610 Harmon Pl., Mpls.
Gai Noi serves stellar Thai dishes, but don’t overlook chef Ann Ahmed’s Lao cusine, like the spicy laab and green papaya salad.
Silver—Coconut Thai, 3948 W. 50th St., Edina, 952-288-2888; 720 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-348-7250
Bronze—Sawatdee, 607 Washington Ave. S., Mpls., 612-338-6451; St. Paul, Maple Grove, Bloomington
UK/Irish Pub
Gold—Brit’s Pub, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-3908
Silver—The Anchor Fish and Chips, 302 13th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-676-1300
Bronze—The Local, 931 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-452-2222; 1607 Park Place Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-247-0200
Vietnamese
Gold—Quang, 2719 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-870-4739
On your way out the door, grab some sweet coconut rice cakes or caramel flan to go.
Silver—Que Viet, 2211 NE Johnson St., Mpls., 612-781-4744
Bronze—eM Que Viet, 1332 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-330-4363
Waterfront Dining
Gold-Winning Twin Cities Legendary Establishment
1—Matt’s Bar, 3500 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls., 612-722-7072
2—Cossetta Alimentari, 211 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-222-3476
3—Quang, 2719 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-870-4739
4—Mancini’s Char House, 531 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-224-7345
5—Jax Cafe, 1928 University Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-789-7297
Gold-Winning Top Restaurant in Mpls.
1—Spoon and Stable, 211 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-224-9850
2—Diane’s Place, 117 14th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-489-8012
3—Bar La Grassa, 800 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-333-3837
4—Owamni, 420 S. 1st St., Mpls., 612-444-1846
Owamni, now known as Indígena by Owamni, is starting a new chapter at the Guthrie this spring!
5—All Saints, 222 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-259-7507
Gold-Winning Top Restaurant in St. Paul
1—Cossetta Alimentari, 211 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-222-3476
2—Estelle, 1806 St. Clair Ave., St. Paul, 651-330-9648
3—Gus Gus, 128 Cleveland Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-645-4128
4—Myriel, 470 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-340-3568
5—Mancini’s Char House, 531 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-224-7345
Shops + Style
Consider this your go-to guide for local shopping and style inspiration, handpicked and delivered with a stamp of approval from your in-the-know neighbors.
Antiques/Vintage Furniture and Décor Store
A maximalist’s dream—and a rite of passage for any vintage shopper. Look high, look low—it’s all about the hunt.
Appliance Store
Gold—Warners’ Stellian, 9 MN locations, 877-431-2100
Silver—Ace Hardware, locations throughout MN, 888-827-4223
Bronze—All, Inc., 185 Plato Blvd. W., St. Paul, 651-227-6331; 12955 Hwy. 55, Plymouth, 763-465-0222
Cannabis Store
Consignment/Resale Store
Gold—Turn Style Consignment Stores, 9 MN locations
Silver—Arc’s Value Village, 2751 Winnetka Ave. N., New Hope, 763-544-0006; 6528 Penn Ave. S., Mpls., 612-861-9550; 10546 France Ave. S., Bloomington, 952-818-8708
Bronze—Nu Look Consignment, 4956 Penn Ave. S., Mpls., 612-925-0806
Eyewear Boutique
Gold—Spectacle Shoppe, 2405 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; New Brighton, St. Paul, and St. Louis Park
Did you know Spectacle Shoppe has the largest collection of reconditioned vintage frames in the state? You betcha!
Silver—Eyebobs, International Market Square, MOA, Ridgedale Center, and Rosedale Center
Bronze—InVision Distinctive Eyewear, 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul; Galleria, Minnetonka, North Loop
Flower Shop/Florist
Gold—Bachman’s, 6 metro locations, 612-861-7311
Silver—Tangletown Gardens, 5353 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-822-4769
Bronze—Ergo, 516 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-292-9562
Frame Shop
A North Loop mainstay for nearly three decades—shh, there’s also a little loft filled with vintage wares.
Silver—Nash Frame Design, 3107 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-924-0809; 861 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 952-224-5063; 17418 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, 952-955-7588
Bronze—Frameworks Gallery, 2022A Ford Pkwy., St. Paul, 651-698-3372
Furniture and Home Décor Store
Garden Center
Talk about a one-stop shop—indoor, outdoor, and gifts galore.
Silver—Gertens, 5500 Blaine Ave., Inver Grove Heights, 651-450-1501
Bronze—Mother Earth Gardens, 2318 Lowry Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-789-0796; 3738 42nd Ave. S., Mpls., 612-724-2296
Gift Shop
Gold—Patina, 9 metro locations, 612-823-9700
Silver—General Store of Minnetonka, 14401 Hwy. 7, Minnetonka, 952-935-7131
Bronze—I Like You, 1955 NE Johnson St., Mpls., 612-208-0249; 416 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-340-9710
Grocery Store
Independent Bookstore
You can support this local gem in person or buy from Magers and Quinn online!
Independent Lighting Store
Gold—Southern Lights, 12550 Frontage Rd. W., Burnsville, 952-686-6072
Silver—Muska Lighting, 2772 Fairview Ave. N., Roseville, 651-227-8881; 14797 Martin Dr., Eden Prairie, 952-934-6730
Bronze—Michael’s Lamp Studio, 3101 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-926-9147
Independent Pet Store
Local Fine Jewelry Store
Gold—R.F. Moeller Jeweler, 5020 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-926-6166; 2065 Ford Pkwy., St. Paul, 651-698-6321
Silver—JB Hudson, Galleria, 612-274-7181
Bronze—Continental Diamond, 1600 Utica Ave. S., Mpls., 952-593-5602
Local Shoe Store
Trust us—if you’ve got an upcoming trip filled with hiking or city walks—come here for your kicks.
Silver—Mill City Running, 411 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-378-6001; 767 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-330-3649
Bronze—Red Wing, 16 MN locations, 800-733-9464
Luxury Home Goods Store
Gold—Ampersand, Galleria, 952-920-2118
Silver—MartinPatrick 3, 212 3rd Ave. N., Mpls., 612-746-5329
Bronze—Vivid Home, 100 2nd Ave. N., Mpls., 612-874-3282; Galleria, 952-855-7581
Men’s Fashion Boutique
Gold—Jaxen Grey, 226 Washington Ave. N., Mpls.; Galleria, Ridgedale Center, Woodbury
Insider tip: Upstairs at the North Loop location, Jaxen Grey has a clearance room.
Outdoor Furniture Store
Gold—Room and Board, 7010 France Ave. S., Edina, 866-401-7785; 4600 Olson Memorial Highway, Golden Valley
Silver—By the Yard, 3283 Bluff Dr., Jordan, 877-220-0448; 8046 Wedgewood Ln. N., Maple Grove, 763-496-1019; 9140 Hudson Rd., Woodbury, 651-386-1485
Bronze—Yardbird, 451 Industrial Blvd. NE, Mpls., 877-927-2846
Outdoors/Recreational Store
Paint Store
Record Store
Gold—Electric Fetus, 2000 4th Ave. S., Mpls., 612-870-9300
Silver—Down in the Valley, 8020 Olson Memorial Hwy., Mpls., 763-544-0033; 13633 Grove Dr., Maple Grove, 763-420-7451
Bronze—Cheapo Records, 2600 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-827-8238; 71 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-644-8981; 170 89th Ave. NE, Blaine, 763-574-2308
Shopping District
Shopping Mall
Tile Store
Vintage Clothing Store
The perfectly organized collections upstairs are full of treasures that span eras and decades.
Silver—Rewind, 2852 NE Johnson St., Mpls., 612-788-9870
Bronze—Up Six Vintage, 189 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-917-0470
Vintage/Antiques Shopping District
Gold—Stillwater
Silver—50th & Xerxes
Bronze—Selby & Fairview
Women’s Fashion Boutique
Gold—Evereve, 8 MN locations, 877-290-6262
The beauty here is the curated mix of private-label and notable department store brands.
Silver—Sweet Ivy, Galleria, 952-456-6598
Bronze—Jenny in the City, 520 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 612-471-6346
Weddings + Events
Planning your perfect day or a party to remember? Our readers are your BFFs and weighed in on their favorite resources—all tried and true.
Bridal Boutique
Caterer
Gold—Chowgirls, 336 NE Hoover St., Mpls., 612-203-0786
Chowgirls keeps its menus seasonal so they always feel fresh and of the moment.
Dessert
DJ
Event Space
When you want classic, old-school elegance, the capital city is calling.
Events Planner
Florist
Hairstylist
Gold—Sloane’s Beauty Bar and Medspa, 3617 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-922-0219; 44th & France, Excelsior & Lake, North Loop
Silver—Lady Vamp Artistry, 777 Smith Ave. S., St. Paul
Bronze—Urban Village SalonSpa, 134 Western Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-330-8404
Jeweler for Engagement/Wedding Rings
Gold—R.F. Moeller Jeweler, 5020 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-926-6166; 2065 Ford Pkwy., St. Paul, 651-698-6321
Silver—Shane Co., 11300 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka, 952-546-2900; 8404 Tamarack Village, Woodbury, 651-702-9900
Bronze—Tiffany and Co., Southdale Center, 952-922-0066
Makeup Artist
Menswear
Decades ago, Anthony Adler resurrected the roots of his great-grandfather and grandfather’s business to bring timeless wares and style to today’s gents.
Mother of the Bride Apparel
Gold—Nordstrom, MOA, 952-883-2121; Ridgedale Center, 651-900-6800
Silver—Wedding Shoppe, 1196 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-298-1144
Bronze—DUGO, 3939 Market St., Edina, 952-746-4440
Photographer
Private Dining
The private dining space at Mr. Paul’s has its very own bar where you can belly up for a Sazerac.
Services + Essentials
Home repairs? Financial services? Wellness experts? The people have spoken—here are their top picks worth adding to your little black book.
Auto Dealership
Bank
Barbershop
You can’t go wrong with any of these classic barbershops! C’mon, live a little with a cut and a shave.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Gold—St. Paul Family Dentistry, 1050 Larpenteur Ave. W., St. Paul, 651-488-5522
Silver—Holger Dental Group, 17601 Hwy. 7, Minnetonka, 952-222-5266; 120 1st Ave. N., Mpls., 612-238-5102
Bronze—New Brighton Family Dentistry, 2459 NW 15th St., New Brighton, 651-631-3100
Cosmetic Dermatology
Located at International Market Square—schedule your service around lunch in the eight-story atrium.
Credit Union
Custom Closets
Organization goes beyond the closet—hello, pantries, laundry spaces, and project rooms.
Custom Home Builder
Gold—Hartman Homes, 865 Hartman Cir., Hudson, Wisc., 715-377-1555
Silver—Sustainable 9, 3511 W. 44th St., Mpls., 612-234-4194
Bronze—John Kraemer and Sons, 4906 Lincoln Dr., Edina; 240 Minnetonka Ave. S., Wayzata, 952-935-9100
Estate Law Firm
Gold—Schromen Law, 319 Ramsey St., St. Paul, 651-571-2515
Silver—Stone Arch Law Office, 6009 Penn Ave. S., Mpls.; 683 Bielenberg Dr., Woodbury, 612-712-5191
Bronze—Sandahl and Damhof, 3500 American Blvd. W., Bloomington; 203 Cooper Ave. N., St. Cloud, 612-448-3898
Family Law Firm
Fitness Club
Gold—Life Time, multiple metro locations
Silver—YMCA, multiple metro locations, 612-230-9622
Bronze—Planet Fitness, locations throughout MN
Fitness Studio: Boutique
Gold—The Grind Mpls, 323 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-466-1376; 3944 Market St., Edina, 612-919-7273
Silver—Orangetheory Fitness, multiple metro locations
Bronze—Rêve, 775 E. Lake St., Wayzata; 120 N. 1st Ave., Mpls.
Full-Service Spa
Gold—Watershed Spa, 514 SE 2nd St., Mpls., 612-331-4182
Silver—Spalon Montage, 3909 Market St., Edina; 600 Market St., Chanhassen; 8375 Seasons Pkwy., St. Paul, 952-915-2900
Bronze—Woodhouse Spa, 1595 Hwy. 36 W., Roseville, 651-432-0047; Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Woodbury
Hairstylist
HVAC
Interior Design Firm
Though Ellington and Co. is relatively new, the principal designers here have been making the Twin Cities beautiful for decades.
Landscaper
Did you know the Tangletown folks run the restaurant, Wise Acre, across the street?
Laser Hair Removal
Gold—Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, 3601 Minnesota Dr., Edina, 952-920-6545
Silver—Mill City Laser, 322 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-900-0204
Bronze—TC Skin and Laser, 10260 Viking Dr., Eden Prairie; 234 Water St., Excelsior, 612-419-2252
Med Spa
Gold—Petal and Stem, 796 Bielenberg Dr., Woodbury, 12-615-7836
Silver—Sloane’s Beauty Bar and Medspa, 3617 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-922-0219; Edina, Excelsior & Lake, North Loop
Bronze—Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, 3601 Minnesota Dr., Edina, 952-920-6545
Outdoor Space
Pain Management Clinic
Gold—Twin Cities Pain Clinic, 6 metro locations, 952-234-8580
Silver—Nura, 7400 France Ave. S., Edina; 2104 Northdale Blvd. NW, Mpls.; 707 Bielenberg Dr., Woodbury, 763-537-6000
Bronze—Minnesota Spine Institute, 2780 Snelling Ave. N., Roseville, 612-712-9203
Remodeler
Roofing Company
Sauna Studio
Watershed helped take sauna and bathhouse culture to the next level in the TC.
Senior Living
Gold—English Rose Suites, 6 metro locations, 612-368-5547
Silver—Ebenezer Senior Living, locations throughout MN, 612-874-3460
Bronze—Arbor Lakes Senior Living, 12001 80th Ave. N., Maple Grove, 763-575-7021
Bronze—Friendship Village of Bloomington, 8100 Highwood Dr., Bloomington, 952-831-7500
Solar Power
Gold—All Energy Solar, 1264 Energy Ln., St. Paul, 800-620-3370
Silver—TruNorth Solar, 3735 N. Dunlap St., Arden Hills, 612-888-9599
Bronze—MN Solar, 9841 13th Ave. N., Plymouth, 320-444-5696
Teeth Whitening
Tree Service
Veterinarian
Wealth Management
Window Company
OK, Twin Cities, that’s a wrap! Didn’t see your favorites here? Keep your antennae up for our 2027 Call For Nominations later this year. We want to hear from you!
Dining and Cooking